Fall River, New Bedford residents charged after disturbance involving 75+ people left officers injured

Fall River and New Bedford residents were arrested Sunday morning after a large disturbance.

According to police, at just after 2:00 a.m., officers were in the Pleasant Street area of New Bedford as patrons were leaving downtown establishments, working to help crowds disperse safely. During these efforts, officers observed Bento’s Bar & Grill still occupied by patrons after 2:00 a.m. and spoke with management regarding the need to begin clearing customers from the premises.

At the same time, multiple fights broke out among a large group of individuals, resulting in a significant disturbance. Officers worked to separate those involved and disperse the crowd; however, the disorder continued to escalate as additional individuals joined the disturbance.

As the crowd grew, officers requested assistance from all available units and later from mutual aid partners, including the Massachusetts State Police and the Acushnet, Fairhaven, and Dartmouth Police Departments.

The disturbance, which involved a crowd of more than 75 people, resulted in four arrests. During the disturbance, officers recovered a loaded firearm from one arrested individual and a knife from another individual.

The following individuals were arrested in connection with the incident:

Devian Hernandez, 25, of Fall River, charged with disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct; Sajiah Arnum, 26, of New Bedford, charged with disorderly conduct; Robert Lopes, 43, of New Bedford, charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct; and Elijah Raymond, 22, of New Bedford, charged with disturbing the peace, carrying a dangerous weapon/disturbing the peace while armed, and disorderly conduct. Raymond possessed a valid license to carry at the time of his arrest. His license is being reviewed as a result.

During the incident, several officers were assaulted while working to restore order. Two officers were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. No serious injuries were reported among responding officers or members of the public.

A report concerning Bento’s Bar and Grill will be submitted to the Licensing Board for review.

NBPD commended the responding officers, assisting agencies, and the communications division personnel whose professionalism and coordinated efforts helped bring the situation under control.